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Old September 8th 16, 05:10 PM posted to uk.sci.weather
Graham Easterling[_3_] Graham Easterling[_3_] is offline
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First recorded activity by Weather-Banter: Jun 2010
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Default Winter of 1962-3

SNIP
I was in one of the first years of Grammar school in Essex.
Amazingly, new boys had to wear short trousers in those days.
Had a 30 min walk then a trip by train (fairly reliable diesel units along a ploughed line) that took about 30 mins out into the heart of the Essex countryside. Then a 20 min walk to school.

The worst part about school was playing sport in those snowy conditions.
Football was impossible because of the icy pitches, but we were sent on cross country runs. Across ploughes field that were solid rock.
Got back frozen to the bone and unable to do buttons up because of frozen hands.
My flies had to stay undone for a while.

O yes, and Jack Frost always left that wonderful pattern on my bedroom window.

We survived helped by hot water bottles.

If ever such a long spell of severe winter weather ever happens again in SE England the country will be in lock down. The transport system is enormous now compared to 62/63.
I know it is a tad selfish, but thank heavens for global warming.

Len
Wembury SW Devon

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I've managed to resist this thread until now, it was the short trousers wot did it.

I was in the 2nd year at Grammar School. Apart from having to wear short trousers, the only shelter at the bus stop was this telephone box http://www.turnstone-cottage.co.uk/1987Snow.pdf (2nd pic) The picture was in 1987, but it could easily be 1963. It rarely snows in west Cornwall, but on the few occasions it does it tends to have a good go. Another year We had to walk back from Penzance to Sennen (9 miles) because the road got blocked and the headmaster saw no reason to let us go early. Luckily we got a lift by a 4 wheel drive after 5 miles or so.

We were allowed to wear long trousers from the 4th year, just about the time the baggy surfer's shorts became fashionable.

Graham
Penzance